LINDEN — City police have apprehended a 19-year-old Linden man in connection with a home-invasion robbery and beating of retired priest earlier this week.

Edwin Juan Rosado Jr., was arrested Wednesday, two days after he allegedly forced his way inside the former priest’s Ingalls Avenue home by pulling out a butcher knife and threatening him, Capt. James Sarnicki said.

The priest, a neighborhood acquaintance who was not identified, gave over his cell phone and wallet to Rosado, police said.

Authorities came to suspect Rosado when they questioned him after the priest’s car alarm had sounded and he was spotted walking nearby, Sarnicki said. The victim had not initially told police that his car key and car alarm button were also taken during the robbery.

Although police stopped Rosado, who fit the description provided by the priest, and searched him, they had no evidence to arrest him, Sarnicki said.

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During a subsequent interview with Rosado police secured additional evidence for an arrest warrant, Sarnicki said.

Detectives later found the car-alarm button in the area where Rosado had initially been stopped.

Sarnicki said Rosado had done some work for the priest, such as shoveling snow from his driveway.The retired priest was treated for his injuries and is recuperating at home, Sarnicki said.

Rosado has been charged with robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He is being held in the Union County Jail in lieu of $250,000.00 bail. A court date is set for March 20.